Lee Walker held off a valiant fightback from Reanne Evans to win 10-6 and reach the final round of Betfred World Championship Qualifying.

The Welshman is now one match away from making the Crucible for the first time since 2004. His best run in the World Championship came in 1997 when he reached the quarter-final stage.

Evans will have to wait if she is to complete her quest to become the first women ever to play at the Crucible. However, she can reflect on a good week after securing her first ever World Championship win against Robin Hull on Wednesday.

Walker led 6-1 after the first session and went on establish a 9-4 advantage before they had to be pulled off this afternoon. When they resumed this evening, Evans battled back into the match, taking the opening two frames to reduce the deficit to 9-6.

However, the 41-year-old Welshman used his experience in the 16th frame and won a hard fought tactical battle, which lasted just under fifty minutes, to clinch victory.

''The relief when the green went in to get over the line was huge,'' said Walker. ''She's a great player and it was always going to be difficult. She's run Ken Doherty close in the past, she has beat Robin Hull. You don't do that without being a great competitor. I'm just really pleased to get through.''

''I've done a little bit of coaching work with NG On Yee and I have taken her to Q School, but I have never played a women before in a big competition. The way she play's both handed and cues it well. She really is a brilliant player. I think she has done herself proud and the women's game proud.''

''I've come here to get to the Crucible. I have two wins now and I need one more. I will regroup and go all out tomorrow to get there.''